Eric Boggs
For some players and programs, leaving or facing Ohio State’s disciplined and principled culture reveals just how different the environment can be elsewhere. That contrast is especially clear when examining the chaos surrounding Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal, which continues to unravel with new twists and admissions. A large portion of the Ohio State fan base is waiting with anticipation for the NCAA to finally issue its ruling on the matter, and many believe the only fair outcome would be a severe punishment that reflects the scope and depth of what occurred.
The scandal was reignited over the weekend when former Michigan staffer Connor Stalions, whose rogue scouting operation triggered the investigation, broke his public silence in a bizarre and revealing late-night social media rant. The outburst came in response to comments from TCU head coach Sonny Dykes, who confirmed that his staff was warned extensively about Michigan’s elaborate sign-stealing efforts ahead of the 2022 College Football Playoff semifinal. According to Dykes, TCU adjusted their signals in anticipation of Michigan relying on stolen intel, which ultimately backfired on the Wolverines in a stunning loss.
Stalions, clearly rattled, unleashed a six-paragraph tirade around 1 a.m. Saturday morning, claiming he knew “almost every signal” during seven games over two seasons, including matchups against Ohio State, Penn State, TCU, Georgia, Wisconsin, and both Michigan State games. While Stalions tried to minimize the impact of his tactics by attributing Michigan’s losses to poor tackling and line play, his own words further confirmed that he possessed advanced knowledge of opponent signals — a direct violation of NCAA rules prohibiting in-person scouting and the use of electronic recording equipment.
Stalions’ sudden willingness to speak publicly, despite previously staying quiet throughout the NCAA’s investigation, is especially strange given Michigan’s attempt at damage control. The university has already issued a self-imposed two-game suspension for head coach Sherrone Moore, who was implicated for deleting texts exchanged with Stalions, which were later recovered and submitted as evidence. Moore’s cooperation with the NCAA has been inconsistent at best, and the governing body must now decide whether Michigan’s internal disciplinary measures are sufficient.
As part of the ongoing fallout, Michigan’s handling of the scandal has drawn sharp criticism from fans and media alike. While the NCAA does not explicitly ban sign stealing, it does prohibit scouting future opponents in person and using technology to record signals — both of which Stalions is alleged to have orchestrated. Documentation shows he purchased tickets to games across the Big Ten and coordinated efforts to capture play-call signals on video, providing Michigan an unfair advantage during their recent run of success.
For Ohio State fans, who watched as their team became one of Stalions’ confirmed targets, the sense of injustice lingers. The losses to Michigan in 2021 and 2022, now under the shadow of this scandal, feel tainted. Buckeye Nation has made it clear: this is not about sour grapes — it’s about preserving the integrity of the sport. As the NCAA prepares to make its ruling following a June hearing, with a 30-to-90-day window for a decision, fans across Columbus and beyond are hoping that real accountability is finally enforced.
The Wolverines open their season on August 30 against New Mexico State and will travel to Oklahoma the following week — conveniently after Moore’s suspension ends. That timing, too, raises eyebrows among those who believe Michigan is attempting to manipulate optics while evading full responsibility. Meanwhile, Connor Stalions, the man at the center of it all, continues to insist the truth will soon emerge. For Buckeye fans, the truth is already clear — and now, they wait for justice.
